New Delhi (KP) – Fully committed to closing the case against Jagdish Tytler, the CBI has declined to record the statement by Jasbir Singh via video conference. Jasbir Singh, an NRI based in California, opted to appear at any US Court to testify in the case against Tytler as a key eye-witness, most likely for his own safety.
After receiving a notice from the Delhi High Court to contact Jasbir Singh regarding his testimony, the CBI has filed a response alleging that to record Jasbir Singh overseas through video conferencing would be a difficult task. The CBI has also alleged that it would not be able to verify the identity of Jasbir Singh unless he appeared himself in front of the court here. Earlier, the CBI had closed the case against Jagdish Tytler declaring an absence of eye-witnesses.
Although Jasbir Singh had previously appeared in front of the Nanavati Commission, the CBI had declared him as untraceable. Later, Jasbir Singh, while staying in California, contacted several TV stations and newspapers and alleged that he had personally heard Jagdish Tytler encouraging the mobs against the Sikhs during the November 1984 riots.
Jasbir Singh has sent several emails to the CBI offering his cooperation in the case against Jagdish Tytler while staying in the US. According to the Code of Criminal Procedures Section 166A (1), non-resident Indians are allowed to testify in foreign courts. Nonetheless, the CBI has continued to demand Jasbir Singh's presence in the court case.
Navkiran Singh, Jasbir Singh's council from Chandigarh , has alleged his client is not in a position to return to India as he faces a threat to his life. Family members of Jasbir Singh in New Delhi have been continuously facing death threats on the phone. Navkiran Singh told the press that the CBI must provide provisions to Jasbir Singh and record his testimony through video conferencing.
Frontline Comments
If the government got him to do this and he is part of the same government, how do you expect him to be punished. The hindu government aren't backstabbers and unloyal like the sikhs are to eachother.
